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See a sample rate comparisonHealthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address moderate-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Surgery Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System |
| Common Place of Service | 21 - Inpatient Hospital 23 - Emergency Room |
| Common Modifiers | RT - Right side of body LT - Left side of body |
| Complexity Level | Moderate |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | $260.53 national non-facility rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 32554 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | $203.855 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 32554 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 32554 by major payers:

$402.24

$450.72

$421.77

$505.63
Choose a payer to see a sample of rates for CPT 32554.
Surgicare Of St Andrews Ltd
Scottsdale Endoscopy Asc LLC
Natick Surgery Center, LLC
Natick Surgery Center LLC
Northwest Atlanta Vascular Care LLC
Laser Surgery Holding Company, Ltd
Laser Surgery Holding Company Lt
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Rate Benchmarking
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See a sample rate comparisonPayer Contract Negotiation
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 32554 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Codes
The CPT 32554 code is part of the Surgery services used for Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System. It represents a moderate-complexity encounter and is one of several codes that vary based on time spent, level of medical decision-making, and documentation requirements.
The CPT 32554 code involves more provider time and moderate medical decision-making, unlike lower-level codes that require less time and simpler assessments. It typically includes multiple diagnoses, medication management, or test interpretation, leading to higher reimbursement and more detailed documentation requirements.
| Code | Complexity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 32554-CPT | Moderate | Drainage Of Fluid Around Lungs, A Procedure To Drain Fluid Surrounding The Lungs And Reinflate The Lungs With A Needle Or Tube. Imaging Guidance May Be Used To Better View The Area. |
| 32555-CPT | Moderate | Drainage Of Fluid Around Lungs, A Procedure To Drain Fluid Surrounding The Lungs And Reinflate The Lungs With A Needle Or Tube. Imaging Guidance May Be Used To Better View The Area. |
| 32556-CPT | Moderate | Drain Fluid From Cavity, Surgery To Drain Fluid That Has Accumulated Around The Lung By Inserting A Thin Tube (Catheter) Through The Skin. The Procedure May Include Using An X-Ray Machine To Better View The Area. |
| 32557-CPT | Moderate | Drain Fluid From Cavity, Surgery To Drain Fluid That Has Accumulated Around The Lung By Inserting A Thin Tube (Catheter) Through The Skin. The Procedure May Include Using An X-Ray Machine To Better View The Area. |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 32554. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 32554 fee schedule helps patients estimate costs and providers optimize billing for accurate reimbursements.
Factors that affect fee schedules
Medicare & Medicaid Rates
Government-set reimbursement amounts
Private Insurance Rates
Negotiated rates between providers and insurance companies
Geographic Location
Costs may be higher in urban areas.
Provider Type
Hospital providers may have different rates than private practice.
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